South Jersey Criminal Defense Attorneys

Criminal Defense in Cherry Hill, New Jersey

For over 20 years, Underwood & Micklin has provided effective criminal defense for clients in New Jersey, obtaining successful outcomes for clients in a range of legal matters, including DWI, drug offenses, violent crimes, expungements, traffic violations, juvenile crimes, and sex crimes. Our attorneys are well-recognized for their collective experience in this area of the law, effective legal services, and compassionate advocacy. If you need a law firm to fight for your best interests, contact Underwood & Micklin today.

South Jersey DWI attorneys

In New Jersey, the standard blood alcohol level is .08%. There is a substantial amount of case law which is helpful in successfully defending and obtaining not guilty findings in this area of law. The choice of an attorney is critical in this area as these are generally strict liability crimes which give the State an easy case against you if not properly handled. One cannot plea bargain a DUI case in the State of New Jersey. The cases have to be successfully defended. Even first offenses in New Jersey carry a mandatory loss of driving privileges. We appear in Courts throughout New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania representing those charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol.

New Jersey Drug Crimes

If you are facing charges or arrest for a drug related incident, our attorneys have the skill and trial experience you need. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney with a reputation for success and established credibility at a trial can be a priceless asset. If this is your first arrest for a drug-related charge, there is a good chance one of our attorneys can get you placed in a diversion program that will keep any conviction off of your record. However, in some cases, going to trial may be your best option. In a trial, we will work with you to fight the legality of any unwarranted arrest or search, and also fight the prosecution’s case. If necessary, we will use our negotiation and litigation skills to work out a reduction in the charges and penalties you may face.

We represent clients charged with drug offenses such as:

  • Drug possession (Municipal Court and Superior Court)
  • Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia
  • Juvenile drug possession and/or Distribution of C.D.S.
  • Prescription fraud
  • School zone possession or trafficking
  • Federal Drug Matters, including Possession and Possession with Intent to Distribute

Consequences for violating New Jersey’s drug laws are very serious. A conviction of a serious drug offense can lead to jail time, probation, treatment programs, fines, community service, and in some cases, deportation. Even the smallest possession charge can end up on your criminal record and result in the suspension of your driver’s license. We are here to protect your rights.

New Jersey violent crimes defense

Violent crimes are always a serious matter. These cases are strongly prosecuted. In many cases, violent crimes are felony level offenses that result in incarceration, which is subject to the No Early Release Act (N.E.R.A.), requiring 85% of the sentence be served before parole eligibility.

We defend individuals facing allegations and arrests of crimes such as:

  • Aggravated Assault
  • Car Jacking
  • Aggravated Sexual Assault (which also includes Megan’s law registration)
  • Robbery
  • Armed Robbery
  • Reckless Endangerment
  • Trespassing
  • Homicide
  • Attempted Homicide
  • Vehicular Manslaughter
  • Murder
  • Possession of a Weapon

Individuals who are accused of violent crimes may face serious penalties if convicted. If you are facing criminal charges, you have the right to defend yourself and your livelihood in court. Regardless of what type of accusations or allegations, it is important that you contact an experienced attorney.

NJ juvenile crimes defense

Many juveniles do not understand how a criminal conviction can affect their future. A criminal conviction can have a lasting effect on a juvenile’s future when it comes to applying to colleges and finding a job in the future. When New Jersey state courts handle juvenile cases, the goal is rehabilitation, not punishment. Most juvenile cases end with a small fine and probation, though some crimes can leave a lasting impact.

Some of the most common crimes committed by juveniles are:

  • Fighting in a public place
  • Possession of tobacco/cigarettes
  • Possession of a small amount of controlled dangerous substances such as marijuana
  • Vandalism
  • Underage drinking
  • Public intoxication
  • False identification
  • Loitering
  • Serious Criminal Offenses requiring waiver to adult court (murder, carjacking, sexual assault, etc.)

Some serious offenses can waive a child up to adult court. These offenses can have lifelong consequences for minors. If your child is charged with a serious crime, you should get experienced representation immediately. Our firm will explore all legal means to send the child back to Juvenile Court and protect their future from the mistakes of their youth. We have handled cases where juveniles have been accused of serious crimes such as carjacking, manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, and first-degree murder.

New Jersey Sex Crimes Attorneys

Sex crimes allegations refer to some of the most brutal, violent and reprehensible criminal offenses in our culture. Sex crimes are very serious offenses that can lead to long-term consequences, including jail and sex offender registration under Megan’s Law.

Some of the more common types of sexual allegations include:

  • Aggravated Sexual Assault
  • Kidnapping
  • Criminal Sexual Contact
  • Sexual abuse
  • Rape
  • Child Molestation
  • Endangering the Welfare of a Child
  • Indecent Exposure
  • Solicitation, Luring, and Enticing
  • Prostitution Charges/ Promoting Prostitution
  • Failure to Register as a Sex Offender
  • Federal Child Pornography Possession and Distribution Charges
  • Applications to remove Megan’s Law Registration Requirements
  • Applications to determine Megan’s Law Offender Status
  • Oppositions to Civil Commitments after Completion
  • Hearings to Tier Sexual Assault Defendants/Appeals
  • Criminal Appeals

A sexual assault conviction can subject the guilty party to the No Early Release Act (N.E.R.A.). The No Early Release Act requires a convicted person to serve 85% of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

Being accused or charged with a sex crime can destroy one’s reputation. Even without being charged, facing criminal proceedings that come with being accused of a sex crime can ruin your family, your employment, and even your future. If you are accused of a sex crime, you need to contact an experienced attorney immediately.

Cherry Hill Traffic Violations

In New Jersey, traffic violations can result in points on your driver’s license. If you accumulate enough points in a short timeframe, you could receive larger fines and a driver’s license suspension.

The traffic violations that we represent and can lead to severe consequences include:

  • Driving while suspended
  • Speeding
  • Reckless driving
  • Careless driving
  • DWI
  • Refusal to Submit to the Breathalyzer
  • Driving Under the Influence of C.D.S.
  • Driving while Utilizing a Cell Phone
  • Driving Without a License
  • Driving without Automobile Insurance
  • Passing a stopped school bus
  • Leaving the Scene of an Automobile Accident
  • Tailgating
  • Driving with a Suspended Driver’s License
  • Driving while License is Suspended due to a DWI

Cherry Hill Expungement Attorneys

In the state of New Jersey, an expungement is used to isolate all records within the state court system. A superior court judge can grant an order that essentially removes some convictions or arrests that are on your criminal record. If successful, any of your past arrests are considered to not have happened. Only some offenses are eligible for expungement, so it is imperative that you speak with one of our qualified attorneys to discuss the possibility of success.

Expunging your record could play a huge role in your future. With colleges, employers, and professional licensing boards routinely running background checks, it is crucial that you speak to a qualified attorney about an expungement. With a successful expungement, you will be able to answer “no” to an employer asking if you have ever been arrested or convicted of a crime.

Contact our New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorneys

Underwood & Micklin is an experienced law firm with over 20 years of experience helping clients through tough times. Our attorney will explore all means to defend your rights in court and protect your future. When you need an effective legal team to step in when facing serious legal troubles, contact Underwood & Micklin for a consultation.